Rakhi Purnima: Goddess Subhadra to tie sacred thread to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra at Puri Srimandir today

Puri: Preparations are in full swing for the celebration of auspicious Gamha Purnima popularly known as Rakhi Purnima at the Jagannath Temple in Puri today.

On this occasion, Goddess Subhadra will tie four special rakhis (special threads) to Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra at Srimandir following the Madhyanha Dhoopa ritual of deities at the temple.

The special rakhis prepared by Patara Bisoyi servitors of the temple will be offered to Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra by Singhari servitors as a sign of the sacred brother-sister relationship.

The auspicious occasion Gamha Purnima also marks the birthday of Lord Balaram, who is worshipped as Lord Balabhadra at Puri Srimandir.

A ritual will be conducted to celebrate Lord Balabhadra’s birthday at Markanda Pushkarini (a holy pond near Srimandir) today.

On this special occasion, the idol of Lord Sudarshan, the most powerful weapon of Lord Jagannath, will be taken to the holy pond in the afternoon where a clay idol of Lord Balabhadra will be built followed by Vedic process performed for idol worship to celebrate birthday of the deity, the Holy sibling of Lord Jagannath. After completion of all rituals, the clay idol will be immersed in the pond. Lord Sudarshan will return to the temple following the rituals.